February 2, 2023
The last few years have been challenging for school communities around the nation. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities and heightened the need to address student mental health and well-being. The resources in this Spotlight showcase schools and districts that are responding to students’ mental health and well-being needs in creative and effective ways.
Reimagining Excellence: A Blueprint for Integrating Social and Emotional Well-Being and Academic Excellence in Schools
Just as constructing a well-designed school building requires a blueprint, so does designing an effective and equitable learning program that addresses the needs of the whole child. Success occurs through strong planning, action, and continuous monitoring.
This blueprint highlights critical indicators of learning programs that successfully integrate equity, well-being, and academics. It leverages an asset-based approach that values diversity in race, culture, language, ability, and ways of interacting with the world rather than characterizing students and families by what they may need or lack. The guide includes six areas of focus:
- Equity
- Responsive Relationships
- Climate & Culture
- Instruction
- Instructional Materials
- Professional Learning Leadership
A Multidisciplinary, Team-Based Approach to Behavioral Health
Schools can engage community-based organizations as powerful partners in achieving sustainable and equitable well-being for families.
In this audiocast, you’ll hear about how Seaford Public School District has established a systemic approach to addressing behavioral health that engages families and the community to help school staff identify the root causes of behavioral challenges and determine the relevant, community-rooted strategies for supporting students.
Listen to the Beyond SEL Audiocast
Addressing Trauma and Fostering Resilience
In this free video collection from REL West, experts on trauma and youth provide actionable strategies for building positive relationships and resilience with youth, responding to youth suicide, understanding youth behaviors, and employing trauma-informed practices.
The videos are excerpts from past events REL West hosted to support our regional partners. Educators, health and mental health practitioners, and others can learn about evidence-based practices from 13 videos in this collection, including six short videos and two sets of webinars with the option to view them as a set or selectively.
Additionally, a recording of an in-person event showcases a practitioner panel of student services staff and counselors discussing trauma-informed practices employed in their districts and schools.
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